Festival Season Survival Guide: What to Bring

Wednesday

Jun 2, 2010 at 12:01 AMJun 3, 2010 at 6:16 PM

Before embarking on an all-day trip to your favorite festival, you'll want to pack a few provisions. Go with a backpack or shoulder bag so it won't slow you down - just be sure to pack light. Here are the essentials.

Before embarking on an all-day trip to your favorite festival, you'll want to pack a few provisions. Go with a backpack or shoulder bag so it won't slow you down - just be sure to pack light. Here are the essentials.

Sunglasses

The most crucial of all festival gear. Never go without shades.

Sunscreen

Face it, your mom was right - you've got to wear it. There's nothing more embarrassing than being the person who looks like a lobster. (It's pretty painful, too.)

Bottled water

Staying hydrated is important, and bringing your own agua means you don't have to pay the exorbitant festival cost.

Wet Naps

Festival food is usually messy, and provided napkins are hard to find at best - and often nonexistent. You'll really wish you'd thought of this when you have to pass up that funnel cake because it means you'll have sticky hands the rest of the day.

Cash

It seems kind of obvious, but you'd be surprised how many people forget vendors aren't going to swipe your card.

Picnic blanket

This is a tricky one. It violates the No. 1 rule to pack light, but this item can save your sanity. It'll clearly map out your personal space, preventing those damn hippies from encroaching with their hacky sack circle. To prevent bulk, grab a bed sheet or light blanket. No quilts!